Mayor’s Remarks:
1. Recent climate changes have been drastic, and the flood season is fast approaching. All bureaus and departments are instructed to make thorough preparations for flood prevention. Although we were well-prepared last year, Typhoon Gaemi still caused flooding and losses due to a levee breach along a river under central government jurisdiction. While it did not result in a major disaster, flooding and damages still occurred. This year, we must remain vigilant. In areas with a history of flooding, please ensure that flood barriers are in place and promote public awareness about picking up government-provided sandbags. Before the flood season arrives, all relevant bureaus and departments must carry out dredging, weeding, and silt removal. In addition, relevant departments must ensure the availability and proper functioning of all pumping equipment, and no further equipment failures should occur.
2. Due to recent U.S. tariff policies, local industries, such as orchid farming and Taiwan tilapia, may be affected. A prior meeting convened by the city government resolved to allocate the secondary reserve fund to assist industries in adapting to these impacts. The extent of the impact will depend on the outcomes of trade negotiations between Taiwan and the U.S. Nevertheless, local governments must proactively expand markets and diversify distribution channels. Even if the uncertainty around tariffs diminishes, we must continue developing multiple marketing avenues and recognize the untapped potential of the domestic market. All bureaus and departments should collaborate to implement a comprehensive development strategy focused on both domestic and international markets.
Reports
1. The Economic Development Bureau presented a report titled "Outcomes of Investment Promotion in Tainan City" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Mayor’s Comments:
(1) Attracting investment is a key objective for every mayoral administration. From the central government to local governments, all levels are actively promoting investment, and Tainan City is no exception. Although it is an ancient capital, Tainan City aims to drive job creation and economic development through investment promotion.
(2) Since former Mayor Lai initiated the Investment Report Meetings, investment projects exceeding NT$200 million have been included for oversight, with city departments helping to resolve related issues. We extend our sincere thanks to all bureaus and departments for their efforts, especially to colleagues in the Economic Development Bureau for actively assisting businesses in resolving problems. From 2019 to the present, 115 major investment projects have been implemented, totaling NT$185.2 billion. Currently, 95 key investments remain under supervision, with a combined value of NT$400 billion. We hope that by promoting investment, we can bring better employment opportunities, living conditions, and environment to citizens.
(3) In Tainan City, the Cigu, Sinji, Madou, Liouying, and Yongkang Industrial Parks currently have an occupancy rate nearing 100%. In light of evolving global dynamics, we must continue creating a favorable investment environment and attract more enterprises to invest in Tainan.
2. The Department of Information and International Relations presented a report on “Review and Outlook of City Diplomacy” (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Mayor’s Comments:
(1) While the central government manages national diplomacy, local governments engage in city diplomacy, conducting equal exchanges between cities. Citizen diplomacy also consists of mutual, individual-level interactions. Through official exchanges between city governments, we aim to leave a positive impression of both Taiwan and Tainan on international visitors. Tainan currently has sister-city relationships with 59 cities worldwide. Last year, more than 3,700 foreign dignitaries visited Tainan for exchanges—the highest number of such visits on record.
(2) Sister cities, such as those in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, have shown strong interest in purchasing Tainan City’s specialty agricultural products. For example, Singapore had rarely regarded Tainan as a major travel destination in the past. However, according to data from the Tourism and Travel Bureau, 700 to 800 Singaporean tour groups designated Tainan as the primary stop on their itineraries last year. This represents significant progress in the city’s tourism sector. In addition to group tours, independent foreign travelers and backpackers also visit Tainan in large numbers for cultural, educational, and sports exchanges. Through these substantive city-to-city interactions, mutual friendships continue to deepen.
(3) City diplomacy is not solely the responsibility of the Department of Information and International Relations — it is a shared duty of every bureau and department. I encourage everyone to work together to strengthen the friendship between Tainan and its international partners. Through the joint efforts of government and civil society, we can deepen the friendship between our city and international partners in ways that citizens can truly experience and benefit from. Let us continue to promote actively sustainable, long-lasting city diplomacy that serves the interests of our citizens.